Stockton, MN frost dates
How Stockton compares
- In 8 years out of 10, the last spring frost in Stockton falls between April 7 and May 6, a 29-day window. The first fall frost falls between October 7 and November 4.
- The median last frost is 12 days earlier than the Minnesota median of May 5.
- Its 181-day growing season is among the longest of the 801 Minnesota places with a regular frost season.
- The last frost is 10 days earlier than the zone 5a median of May 3. Hardiness zones measure winter cold, not season length, so use these dates rather than a zone 5a chart.
- The weather station records an average of 148 nights a year at or below 32°F.
- Compared with La Crosse, WI, 49 km away, the last frost here is 4 days earlier than there and the growing season is 12 days longer.
Frost probability
| Chance of frost after | Date |
|---|---|
| 90% (early) | April 7 |
| 50% (median) | April 23 |
| 10% (safe for tender plants) | May 6 |
| Chance of frost before | Date |
|---|---|
| 10% (early) | October 7 |
| 50% (median) | October 21 |
| 90% (late) | November 4 |
Frost here means 32°F (0°C). A median date means half of years have their last frost earlier and half later.
Planting calendar for Stockton, MN
Stockton, MN frost dates — last frost Apr 23, first frost Oct 21, zone 5a. whenisthelastfrost.com
When to plant vegetables in Stockton, MN
| Crop | Start indoors | Transplant | Sow outdoors | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onions | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | — | — |
| Peppers | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Tomatoes | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | Mar 26 – Apr 30 | Aug 26 – Sep 23 |
| Kale | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | Aug 12 – Sep 2 |
| Broccoli | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Cabbage | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 | — | Jul 15 – Aug 5 |
| Okra | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | May 14 – May 28 | May 14 – May 28 | — |
| Basil | Mar 12 – Mar 26 | Apr 30 – May 14 | — | — |
| Peas | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | Jul 29 – Aug 19 |
| Spinach | — | — | Mar 12 – Apr 2 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Radishes | — | — | Mar 19 – Apr 30 | Sep 9 – Sep 30 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 14 | Apr 30 – May 14 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Zucchini & Summer Squash | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Winter Squash & Pumpkins | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | — |
| Melons & Watermelon | Mar 26 – Apr 2 | May 7 – May 21 | — | — |
| Carrots | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 30 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Beets | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 30 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Potatoes | — | — | Apr 2 – Apr 23 | — |
| Swiss Chard | — | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Cilantro | — | — | Apr 9 – Apr 30 | Aug 26 – Sep 16 |
| Green Beans | — | — | Apr 30 – May 21 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Sweet Corn | — | — | Apr 30 – May 14 | — |
| Sweet Potatoes | — | May 7 – May 28 | — | — |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 7 – Nov 11 |
Dates come from the median frost dates and common extension-service timing. Adjust for your soil temperature, microclimate and the varieties you grow.
About these dates
Based on 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for the Winona Dam 5 A, MN weather station, 11 km away (elevation 663 ft (202 m)).
Frost dates near Stockton
- Winona Apr 21 · Oct 19
- Minnesota City Apr 23 · Oct 21
- Homer Apr 21 · Oct 19
- Rollingstone Apr 23 · Oct 16
- Lewiston Apr 21 · Oct 19
- Utica May 8 · Oct 3
- Altura Apr 23 · Oct 16
- Rushford May 8 · Oct 3
- Saint Charles Apr 23 · Oct 16
- Peterson May 8 · Oct 3
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Stockton, MN?
The median last spring frost in Stockton, MN is April 23. There is still about a 10% chance of frost after May 6, so wait until then to plant frost-tender crops like tomatoes and peppers.
When is the first frost in Stockton, MN?
The median first fall frost is October 21, with about a 10% chance of frost before October 7.
How long is the growing season in Stockton, MN?
About 181 days between the median last spring frost and first fall frost.
What planting zone is Stockton, MN?
Stockton, MN is in USDA hardiness zone 5a.